Miscarriage

Due to Progesterone Deficiency

Luteal Phase Defect and Progesterone
My sister in law miscarried the year before I conceived our first child. Her first miscarriage was sadly followed by a second, and then a third. While the details surrounding the medical interventions to diagnosis are now fuzzy, her doctor explained her miscarriages were due to “luteal phase defect” (LPD). This unhappy phrase explains why some women miscarry in their first trimester and is often linked to insufficient progesterone levels. To learn more about LPD see www.inciid.org.

When I suffered our first miscarriage soon after the birth of her son, she strongly encouraged me to research the importance of progesterone and to discuss with my doctor the possibility that progesterone could be a factor in my unfortunate loss. Thankfully, my OB was open to blood work immediately with my second pregnancy, understanding the necessity of acceptable progesterone levels if a viable pregnancy will survive that difficult first trimester. Remarkably, my results showed a progesterone number far below the viable level and a shot of the hormone was administered that day.

Progesterone feeds the fetus the first 12 weeks while the placenta is forming. Without adequate progesterone, the fetus cannot thrive and, in my experience, spontaneously aborts. Additional blood draws confirmed the success of the replacement therapy and by week 12, with a solid heart beat and confidence in the viability of the fetus, progesterone was no longer administered.

I conceived again 6 months after the birth of our first child. Deceived by the bliss of an infant in arms, I didn’t see the doctor until a week or so after a confirmed home pregnancy test. Following suit, a blood draw showed again dangerously low levels of progesterone and despite the immediate shot, I miscarried within 3 weeks.

Immediate intervention
The key to progesterone replacement, at least for me, involves immediate intervention – I learned from that second miscarriage to keep close track of my cycle and on the first date of a missed period, took a home pregnancy test and saw my doctor – that day! Blood draws followed while in office and every time progesterone was administered before I left. Each subsequent pregnancy followed a predictable routine of weekly visits to my OB for progesterone injections only changing by the increased amount of progesterone administered and the number of injections from one to two per week. The fact that I have mild nerve damage now at those sites means nothing to me when I see my four precious children!

Progesterone
I’ve heard progesterone called “the happy hormone” as it is credited with fueling a positive mood and outlook. Estrogen will balance progesterone but too much estrogen can turn the whole system upside down. Many recent reports are available suggesting the dangers of estrogen dominance and while they won’t be addressed here, such reports are worth researching for those who seek more information. Check out www.womentowomen.com/menopause/estrogendominance.aspx

There are a variety of ways to receive progesterone. Weekly injections of the viscous oil in my hips worked for me and the nurses who administered it – though I clearly remember many times when they pushed against the syringe with all their might! Suppositories are another option and there is progesterone cream which can be lathered on twice daily. I’ve even heard of women who swallow a progesterone “pill” – not to be confused with the birth control pill “POPS – progesterone only pill” (though I’d research that carefully due to contradictory information). All are potential options for receiving adequate doses of the hormone. For women who have naturally low levels of progesterone and are not attempting conception, the cream makes good sense and helps to balance hormones when used for 2 weeks during the regular cycle. Google “progesterone” or check out other sites including www.associatedcontent.com/article/195903/

Partnership
The partnership I developed with my OB made a tremendous difference and followed me to a new practice once my OB left obstetrics after delivering my first two children. My new doctor equally understood the value of progesterone and from my blood work, agreed with the path I had begun. Now, with four healthy children, I owe my full house to progesterone and intelligent doctors who shared my views of its importance and necessity for people who don’t produce enough of it naturally. “Knowledge is power” and it doesn’t hurt to know what you need and not be afraid to ask for it, as well. Blessings on your journey…